Separating 3 year old siblings.

Hi. I have a dilemma. I am in the process of re-homing my cats as I am no longer capable of taking care of them because of medical reasons. I had up until recently three indoor only cats, the siblings Alpha & Omega (3 years old) and their step brother Hades (1.5 years old).

Hades has just been adopted and moved away, so I still have A&O left. The siblings doesn't seem to mind that Hades has left even though they where good friends with him. The siblings have never been apart, and have always been best friends. I think Alpha may be capable of living alone but I am not so sure about Omega as he is a bit clingy to both her and me.

They are not in any danger living with me. They have food and water, but I am not able to play with them anymore and I am not able to clean the litter box often enough. I can see that they are not entirely happy here. They still show me affection but I see their tails hanging low and swishing about all the time. My problem is that the market for both adult and kittens are overflowing. I have had an advert for them out for two months now and I have had a few responses where someone wants to adopt one or the other but not both. What is the right choice here? Keep them here, moderately unhappy but safe and with each other? Or accept separate adoptions and hope they will adapt?

I have nobody close to me that can take them even for a little while and shelters here do not accept cats that has a current home because there are too many. So re-homing to strangers is the only way.

Are there any rescue groups in your area that are able to take them in? There are smaller, harder to find groups out there if you talk to the shelter they might know of one. If so, they may charge you a fee for taking them in but they would be safe until a suitable home could be found. 

That aside. If there are no rescues then just keep looking. From your descriptions I think separating Alpha and Omega is not an option. They sound like a bonded pair and in that case separating them could lead to sever depression and/or related medical problems from the stress.   

Not to press the issue, but if the only issue is that you don't feel you can play with them enough and the litter box have you considered an automatic litter box and/or getting a cat tree or some ball track toys for entertainment? Two cats that are 3 years old should be getting out of the constant energy stage and be fine with a calmer lifestyle and have each other for those high energy moments. The slight depression you've noted could be more from a reaction to your life changes then actual unhappiness on their part. I know when I am not feeling well my cats pick up on that. In your case it sounds like a permanent situation and the cats will adjust given time. Hades was younger and will probably be happy in his new home but Alpha and Omega are old enough to accept a slower pace while young enough to adjust. I know this is likely a choice you haven't made easily and I am not trying to make you feel bad about it or judge you. I just would hate to see someone rehome their cats when there are other options. I only say this because I was in a different situation where I had to rehome a cat and I still have doubts on if I could have done something different. 

I would personally get an automatic litter box to help with that aspect and some new toys that don't require human hands. Things like a cat tree, ball track or something battery operated. Give them a few months to adjust to the changes in the home and reevaluate at that point. You can still keep looking for a good home for both of them together (highly recommend visiting the home as a condition of rehoming them). But I would give them more time and make a few tweaks around the home to see if everyone can find a new routine and adjust to how things now are. 

Thank you for answering. There are no such groups around here either. As for the reason for the re-homing, severe depression and financial crisis. I can afford to feed them but not much more. I can barely take care of myself at this point so the re-homing is necessary. And to be honest, I don't love them enough, I never have. I have always been a dog person and only got cats because dogs weren't allowed where I live, but I wanted companions, something to cuddle with when I got home from work. Cat's didn't give me enough love in return in the way a dog does. I love them and want them to be happy, but not enough for that place to be with me.

I guess I'll keep waiting for someone to adopt both.

Someitmes the SPCA will help people in hardship crisis a friend of mine gets dog food from them every so often that

maybe an option, maybe for litter as well. It all *ads up* I use pellets it's cost effective less odor less mess, takes Cats a little

while to catch on never had any issues.

For me if you would feel happier they stay together stick with that.  It's not unusual to have 3 cats now a days,

so it's very possible for someone to get them as playmates for their single cat. Have found very successful homes

with retired seniors who have the time stay at home need the companionship. Sadly not much value is placed on free

cats, people move leave them behind, it's just a free cat can get another if it's ill, so best to always charge something

anything in your ads. Some pet shops will have bulletin boards where you can advertise with a picture some Vet

clinics to.

Perhaps a shelter will help you with their placement?    The shelter I volunteer for often does not have room to take in cats who have homes, but we do advertise and oversee adoption applications as a courtesy.